Because my long-term personal partner is a computer programmer with a focus on AI, I became curious about it before most of my colleagues. Several years ago, Peter used BERT to create a “Nance Bot” to see if it could write blog posts for me, using my book and existing posts as the training data. It didn’t do a great job, but it was fascinating to see the potential.
The training data for ChatGPT, GPT-4 (which is the foundation for Microsoft Copilot), GPT-5, Bard (now known as Gemini), and other AI systems is much more sophisticated and accurate than the Nance Bot. Because of this we are now seeing ways in which AI can be used to:
- Train new employees, managers, mediators, and more
- Draft business processes and marketing copy
- Improve existing writings
I am using AI tools to update old content and align it with my firm’s goals for the next 20 years. I also used it to help me draft this blog post.
How AI Can Improve Training
When preparing for an important presentation, generative AI can give you bulleted talking points. It can also suggest best strategies to resolve conflicts. If you’re beginning a new role or taking on an emotionally-charged issue, AI can serve as an on-demand trainer that’s available in an environment less threatening than a group of peers.
I recently had an interesting chat with Bard about intersectionality and reconciling concepts that seem to conflict. It freed me up to ask questions imperfectly and consider answers I might not have expected.
In the workplace, AI can help with:
- Role-playing exercises. With careful prompting, AI can create realistic role-playing exercises that allow trainees to practice their conflict resolution skills in a safe environment. This is especially helpful for new managers, mediators, and teachers. They will still need in-person practice, but this can help them get started.
- Access to information. AI can provide trainees with access to a wealth of information about conflict resolution techniques and strategies, as well as common disputes that arise for people in their roles. With a little fact-checking, it can also educate them on current events and summarize best-selling books.
- Job Performance. AI can automate tasks, improve efficiency, and make better decisions because the bots have quick access to a lot more data than humans. It can also process that data in a fraction of the time it would take most of us, freeing us up to work on the tasks we do better.
AI will eliminate some repetitive tasks and cause consolidation of jobs. If you’re worried your job will be one of them, now is the time to lean into the changes and turn them into opportunities.
Where to Get AI Training
On Technology Revolution: The Future of Now, we discussed how attorneys might soon be disciplined for not using artificial intelligence effectively in their firms. Not only have I taken AI courses to improve my own business’ processes, but I have also taken them to learn how to better advise my clients on the use of AI. Although it might seem like an entertaining fad right now, AI will soon permeate many areas of our daily lives. I recommend you learn to use it now, so it won’t be as hard to catch up later.
Here are a few places to look for training:
- Online courses. There are a number of online courses that offer AI training, but you will need to do a little research to make sure you are learning from a credible expert. I found Dave Birss’ course on LinkedIn Learning helpful. He will help you understand the basics and how to effectively prompt ChatGPT.
- Workshops and seminars. Offered in person and online through a variety of organizations, workshops and seminars are relatively easy to find right now. If you are a content creator or coach looking for ways to improve your marketing with AI, The Influencer Project has several options that include AI lessons.
- Professional development programs. Recognizing the need for their members to gain competence in AI, many professional organizations offer AI training and opportunities to network with other professionals with similar interests. I attended a conference on AI and mediation through Mediate.com, and I expect more to come.
Regardless of whether you are ready to jump in with both feet, AI is here to stay and it will get more sophisticated at increasing speeds. Don’t get left in the dust!